Wing scales aid thermoregulation: green birdwing butterfly

1 of 1 Green birdwing, Ornithoptera priamus / David Bygott / License

The wing scales of a green birdwing butterfly help regulate body heat by using a honeycomb structure to enhance black pigments found in the wings.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Regulate physiological processes >
	Homeostasis

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Solar arrays that absorb more sunlight Microtextures to produce deeper colors in textiles, paints, and plastics

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"At the other extreme are butterflies like Ornithoptera priamus--'ultrablack,' [Peter] Vukusic calls it. Again, structure is key. Its honeycombed wing scales absorb more light than would a smooth surface, so the black pigment looks blacker still. The hue helps regulate body heat and makes other wing colors stand out in mating displays." (Holland 2007:30)

About the inspiring organism

Ornithoptera priamus
Ornithoptera priamus (Linnaeus, 1758)
[Common green birdwing butterfl]

IUCN Red List Status: Unknown

Some organism data provided by: GloBIS (GART): Global Butterfly Information System
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Solar arrays that absorb more sunlight, microtextures to produce deeper colors in textiles, paints, and plastics.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Photovoltaics, textiles, paints, manufacturing

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Experts

Natural Photonics Group
Dr. Peter Vukusic, Roy Sambles
University of Exeter

References

Jennifer S. Holland. August. Beyond the Pale. National Geographic.

Wing scales aid thermoregulation: green birdwing butterfly

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